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“That is a sensitive matter,” said Caster, sparing a glance in Loren’s direction before settling back on Hector, “but I suppose in the interest of building trust between us, I can share it with you. I only ask that you do not go spreading it around.”

Hector merely waited.

“I seek to construct a grand network for travel,” said Caster. “A profound and powerful new method, spanning the entire continent. And even beyond it, one day. The entire world, perhaps. Though, admittedly, that is but a far-off dream, still.”

“What ‘new method’ of travel are you talking about?”

“It is rather complicated to explain. And perhaps a bit tedious. But it involves a vast array of nodes connecting to at least one centralized tower wherein the fabric of space can be stretched and folded.”

Loren had to blink a few times as he processed all of that.

And perhaps Hector was doing the same within that helmet of his, because he was taking a moment to respond. He did eventually get around to it, though. “...You’re talking about teleportation.”

“Functionally speaking, yes, it would work as such.”

“That’s... quite the ambitious plan,” said Hector.

“Indeed. Lesser ones are not worth our time. Would you not agree?”

“I’m sure many people would find such a project very appealing and want to help you pull it off. So why the secrecy? Why not tell everyone and recruit as much aid as possible?”

Caster chuckled. “You may be right. But you also may be wrong. And seeking help from untrustworthy sources is an invitation to sabotage. Ultimately, I do not require aid, so even if it might speed things along, I do not think it worth the risk.”

“And yet you’re asking me for aid, right now.”

“I am. Because you seem a trustworthy source. Am I making a mistake?”

“No. But you’re asking a lot of me for nothing in exchange.”

“Ah. Heh. Well, I was hoping that the kindness of your heart might be motivating enough.”

“I’m afraid not. You attacked my allies, remember? Pissed off some people that I’ve since come to care about quite a lot.”

“I can only apologize. I am a new man now with a new view of the world.”

“That’s nice to hear. But I also feel like you can do a lot more than just apologize.”

“Oh? Like what?”

“...Well, among other things, I suspect you could help my friends retake their ancestral homeland from Bloodeye and the Mad Demon.”

Loren’s eyes just about popped out of his head.